Pages in this set

Page 1

Sociology

Revision:

The Family

By Jennifer O'Sullivan

1.THE FUNCTIONS OF THE FAMILY
PAGES 38-45
Ideal of the family
Family is the cornerstone of our social world
Refuge form stresses of the outside world
A place where we can feel loved for who we are rather than what we are

Otherside…

Page 2

Marxist Perspective on the family

FAMILY

Conflict

Page 3

Marxist sociologists see capitalist society as based on an unequal conflict between two classes:
The capitalist class, who own the means of production
The working class whose labour the capitalists exploit for profit

They see all societies' institutions, such as the education system, the media, religion, along with the family…

Page 4

Society also emphasises the importance of having the latest and greatest goods and people,
especially children, who do not have these `new' products are often looked down on.

Therefore, Marxists see the family in a negative light, as they believe that they maintain a capitalist
society; the inheritance of private…

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Criticisms on the perspective on the family

1. They are all structural theories
a. Assume families + members are `passive puppets' manipulated by the structure of society
2. They all assume that the traditional nuclear family is the dominant family type
a. Ignores increased diversity of families
Parson's view
The…

Page 7

Feminists- see the family as serving the needs of men and exploiting women
Marxists- argue that it meet as the needs of capitalism not those of family members or society as a whole.

In Parsons View, as a result of this loss of functions the modern nuclear family comes to…

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7. Explain the difference between Marxist feminism and radical feminism.

8. Suggest two ways in which women have gained more equality in the last 40 years.

2. CHILDHOOD

Cross-cultural differences in childhood
Take responsibility at an early age e.g. Bolivian children have to work from the age of 5
Less…

Page 9

Medieval society

Parental attitudes towards children in the middle ages were also different. High death rates encouraged
indifference and neglect especially towards infants.

Modern notion of childhood...
Schools specialised in the education of the young
Growing distinction between adult clothing
By the 18th century books on childbearing were widely available…

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Has the position of children improved?

March of progress view
steadily improving
Aries and Shorter agree that children are now more valued, better cared for, protected and
educated
Conflict View
Other view is based on false and idealised image that ignores important inequalities
Inequalities between children and adults is greater…